STAMFORD, Conn. – August 3, 2016 – NBC Olympics presents a live Rio Olympics preview special tomorrow, Thursday, August 4, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, one day ahead of the Opening Ceremony for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad.

Bob Costas hosts the preview show, which features his interview with U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps, the most-decorated Olympian in history (22 medals). In addition, Ryan Seacrest interviews the five members of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team, and Mike Tirico discusses the legacies of Phelps and six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica with analysts Rowdy Gaines and Ato Boldon.

The special will introduce the U.S. audience to the host city and country, and will address key topics related to the Rio Olympics. Mary Carillo joins Costas to discuss her recent journeys through the country to film her upcoming travelogues that explore the people, culture, and history of Brazil.

The preview show will also feature the world television premiere of the music video for “Rise,” a new song composed and recorded by Katy Perry, which will be used by NBC Olympics as an anthem throughout the 2016 Rio Olympics (for more info click here).

Tomorrow’s live event coverage kicks off with men’s soccer group play on NBCSN at Noon ET with Iraq vs. Denmark from Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasília. Coverage continues on NBCSN when Neymar leads Brazil against South Africa at 3 p.m. ET, immediately followed by Portugal vs. Argentina at 5 p.m. ET from Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

NBC’s primetime coverage of Opening Ceremony for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad airs Friday, August 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, and Hoda Kotb will serve as hosts, while BobCostas, NBC’s primetime Olympics host, will open the telecast on Friday night.

From the Parade of Nations to the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, Matt, Meredith and Hoda will guide viewers through the spectacle and pageantry that occurs when the world comes together at the Olympic Games.

Powered by Playmaker Media, NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app will live stream 4,500 total hours of coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games – including all Olympic competition for the third consecutive Olympics – for authenticated pay TV subscribers via TV Everywhere to desktops, mobile devices, and tablets, plus connected TVs for the first time.

On the eve of the Opening Ceremony, Bob Costas hosts a one-hour special introducing the host city and nation, previewing key storylines and discussing key topics related to the Rio Olympics.

NBCSN HIGHLIGHTS:

Soccer – Iraq vs. Denmark: Iraq faces Denmark in a Group A men’s soccer prelim at Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia. Brazil vs. South Africa: Behind team captain Neymar, the Brazilian men kick off their pursuit of the country’s first-ever Olympic gold in a Group A prelim against South Africa. The FC Barcelona forward was held scoreless four years ago in a 2-1 loss to Mexico in the London gold medal final. Portugal vs. Argentina: Two medal contenders clash in a high-stakes prelim as Portugal takes on Argentina in a Group D men’s soccer match at Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Fiji vs. South Korea: A Group C men’s soccer prelim pits South Korea, which topped Japan for bronze in London, against Fiji at Salvador’s Fonte Nova Arena. Nigeria vs. Japan: Nigeria plays Japan in preliminary Group B men’s soccer action at Amazonia Arena in Manaus. Japan advanced to the 2012 bronze medal match, which it lost 2-0 to South Korea.

USA NETWORK HIGHLIGHTS:

Soccer – Mexico vs. Germany: Headlined by striker Oribe Peralta and keeper Alfredo Talavera, Mexico starts its title defense in a Group C men’s soccer prelim against Germany at Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador. Peralta notched two goals as Mexico topped Brazil 2-1 in the London Olympic final.

TELEMUNDO HIGHLIGHTS:

Soccer – Mexico vs. Germany: Headlined by striker Oribe Peralta and keeper Alfredo Talavera, Mexico starts its Olympic title defense in a Group C men’s soccer prelim against 2014 World Cup winner Germany at Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador. Peralta notched two goals as Mexico topped Brazil 2-1 in the London Olympic final.

NBC UNIVERSO HIGHLIGHTS:

Soccer – Iraq vs. Denmark: Iraq faces Denmark in a Group A men’s soccer prelim at Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia. Brazil vs. South Africa: Behind team captain Neymar, the Brazilian men kick off their pursuit of the country’s first-ever Olympic gold in a Group A prelim against South Africa. The FC Barcelona forward was held scoreless four years ago in a 2-1 loss to Mexico in the London gold medal final. Portugal vs. Argentina: Two medal contenders clash in a high-stakes prelim as Portugal takes on Argentina in a Group D men’s soccer match at Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 (DAY 0)

NBC

7:30 p.m. – Midnight

Opening Ceremony

1:37 a.m. – 5 a.m.

Primetime Encore

TELEMUNDO

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Olympic Preview Special

NBC UNIVERSO

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Olympic Preview Special

NBC HIGHLIGHTS (Primetime):

Opening Ceremony – Brazil’s iconic Maracana Stadium plays host to the Opening Ceremony for the 2016 Rio Games – the first Olympics held in South America.